Teaneck, New Jersey
Catherine G. McCarthy (Sr. Mercedes)
Former Bergen County resident Catherine Greeley McCarthy (Sr. Mercedes of the Blessed Sacrament, OCD) died 21 November 2017 at Carmel Nursing Home, Manchester, NH.
While residing in Teaneck, McCarthy was a featured singer in the late 1950s with the Paterson State Opera directed by Armand Boyagian. There she performed with, among others, Paul Pleshka, later of the Metropolitan Opera. In New York City she studied under William Herman, who also coached Robert Merrill and Roberta Peters. While living in Italy for several years, McCarthy earned a degree at the Musical Conservatory of Santa Cecilia in Rome. She attended the New England Conservatory of Music where she studied under Boris Goldovsky.
McCarthy, born in Boston, was the child of Charles J. and Anne (Winston) McCarthy, who predeceased her. She was also predeceased by sisters Marie Coveney of Summit, NJ, Anna McCarthy (Sr. M. Brian, RSM), Paul J. McCarthy, Sr. of Bogota. NJ, Charles J. McCarthy, Jr. , Edward W. McCarthy and Jean C. Hamilton. She is survived by her brother Brian McCarthy, of San Diego, CA. As a teenager she was a featured singer on a prominent Boston area radio show. On retiring from the operatic stage McCarthy entered the Carmelite Monastery in New Hampshire. When asked why she left public performing for life as a monastic, McCarthy said, "I always felt my voice was a gift from God." She felt that the best life for her was a life of prayer with the Carmelite nuns.
At the Carmelite Monastery she is survived by sisters Emmanuel, Claudette, Theresa, Gabriel and Louise.
Visitation will be November 28, 2017, 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM. Mass of the Resurrection, followed by internment will take place Nov.29, 2017 at the Carmelite Monastery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Carmelite Monastery, 275 Pleasant St., Concord, NH, 03301.
sister cathrine , i only found out today of your passing ( dec 20 ).i am sorry for all those u knew, your family and caremalite sister. your obit tells of such a journey in this life,but i know Your real life in christ has just begun, and you now know the truth, in which i sAY, WE WILL ALL SEE EA OTHER AGAIN, IN A MORE BEAUTIFUL LIFE. so you have awoken from this earthly dream to the best part of who u are.....LOVE in christ to you ,
zenta
December 20, 2017
I wish I had had the chance to hear you sing. You had such a gift that our world will certainly miss. We are cousins and I have been blessed by knowing your brother Brian another truly talented family member. I know that God is with you that you are at his right hand looking over your family.
Thank you for your life of giving to others. May you always be at peace.
I thank God that you are part of my family.
Watch over us. We continue to need you.
Love
Beth...
December 20, 2017
May you rest in peace in the hands of the Lord
Angela Martin
December 15, 2017
You were the Creator's gift to me, your baby brother Brian.
December 03, 2017 | CA
Enter into your rest, faithful servant.
Joan Melville
November 29, 2017 | FL
Dearest Aunt Cathy, you have been an inspiration to me all my life and you will continue to be. May you rest in the arms of your beloved Jesus and watch over us here below!
Anne MacDonald
November 27, 2017 | Boston, MA
My Deepest Condolences & Sincere Sympathy to The McCarthy Family.
November 27, 2017
She was a saint. No overstatement of facts. She was my second mother, mine and many others. Kindness , humility, wit , patience- all so natural for her. She calmed my Troubled soul and after visiting I felt I'd gotten a small glimpse of heaven. Sing with the angels aunt catherine- sing!
Eileen Fleming
November 27, 2017 | Amesbury, MA
To all the Sisters at the Carmalite Monistery, & Family, my deepest sympathy to you all. I met Sister Mercadies in the 1990's. I helped her with the large gardens behind the Monistary. I loved listening to her play the piano and sing during Sunday services. May you all hold your memories close to your hearts and she will always be near. You are all in my prayers at this very difficult time. God Bless
Mary Kate Holmes
November 27, 2017 | Tilton, NH